Fylde RFC star Fairbrother faced 'months of provocation' before he 'snapped' in bar row

Blackpool Magistrates’ Court was told of a series of threats made to Fylde RFC vice captain David Fairbrother, including one to burn down his house.

The 32-year-old, of Westgate, Fleetwood, who has made more than 100 appearances for the club, pleaded guilty to assault.

The court was told his history with the victim dated back more than a year.

Fairbrother and his son had been out when they were “narrowly missed” by a car being driven by the victim that subsequently crashed, said John Greenwood, defending.

The man “tried to run off before Mr Fairbrother made a citizens’ arrest until police arrived”, he added. The driver was reportedly charged with drink driving.

Months of run-ins between the two men came to a head last year at the Wyre Light pub, said Rebecca Seymour for the prosecution. She added: “There has been a history between the two men.”

Fairbrother, who had no previous convictions, has played rugby for the armed services, Lancashire and the England Counties side.

Mr Greenwood said: “He deeply regrets what he did. However, he had suffered considerable provocation.”

He said Fairbrother endured the threats before finally snapping in the pub.

“He saw red and threw a punch a decision he deeply regrets,” he added. “It was done under extreme provocation.”

The court was told that Fairbrother has now set up a rugby school for children in his home town.

Sentencing, bench chairman Peter Taylor said: “We have taken into account the threats you have endured since you did the right thing and made the arrest.”

Fairbrother was fined £500 and must pay £135 costs.